Valve revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market for handheld gaming PCs is rapidly expanding, offering stiff competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has surpassed the Steam Deck, claiming the top spot with its superior performance, fast memory, and extended battery life. The latest announcements at CES 2025, including the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11, promise even more options for gamers on the go. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or exploring best Steam Deck Alternatives, there are numerous excellent handheld gaming PCs ready to tackle the top PC games.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Handheld Gaming PCs
Our Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X
20Experience the pinnacle of handheld gaming with double the battery life and faster memory. See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy
### Valve Steam Deck
5A gaming powerhouse optimized for Steam OS. See it at SteamSee it at Amazon
### Lenovo Legion Go
7A high-performance alternative with a stunning QHD display. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3Windows 11 gaming at its finest with a 120Hz display. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### GPD Win 4
3A compact powerhouse with a built-in keyboard. See it at Amazon
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3Ultra-portable with impressive performance. See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo 
### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1Budget-friendly for indie gaming enthusiasts. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyHandheld gaming PCs offer a compact alternative to the best gaming laptops, making gaming on the go easier and more convenient. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are equipped with robust performance capabilities, enabling them to handle demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Additionally, the best Steam Deck docks enhance the experience by allowing seamless connection to a gaming TV.
As we stand on the brink of a handheld gaming PC revolution, our experts have hands-on experience with many of these devices. Here are seven that stand out. From the powerhouse Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 ideal for indie games, there's something for everyone.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru
Asus ROG Ally X
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1. Asus ROG Ally X
The Best Handheld Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X
20The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the best handheld gaming PC on the market, thanks to its doubled battery life and faster memory. See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Z1 ExtremeGPUAMD Z1 ExtremeWeight1.49 lbsRAM24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz SSD1TB NVMe SSD Dimensions11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97 – 1.45 inchesPROSMore and faster memory than original ROG AllyHuge 80Wh battery means gaming for hoursCONSStill using an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, retains the AMD Z1 Extreme processor but introduces significant improvements over the original ROG Ally. With 24GB of LPDDR5 memory at 7,400MHz, it offers a substantial performance boost, averaging a 12-15% increase in testing. The slightly thicker and heavier chassis accommodates an enhanced cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original, allowing for extended gaming sessions without overheating the touch display.
The original Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and the MicroSD card slot has been upgraded for durability. Despite some past customer support issues, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers the best handheld gaming experience available today.
Steam Deck Images
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2. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Steam Deck
### Valve Steam Deck
5The Valve Steam Deck runs on Steam OS, featuring a seven-inch display and robust internals optimized for a vast library of games. See it at SteamSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPU4-core, 8-thread AMD Zen 2RAM16GB LPDDR5GPU8-core AMD RDNA 2SSD256GBWeight1.47 lbDimensions11.7 × 4.6 × 1.9 inchesPROSMighty powerfulPerfect for running Steam gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck, which sparked the handheld gaming PC revolution, operates on SteamOS, utilizing the Proton API to support numerous games optimized for the platform, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5. While it doesn't come with Windows, users can install it via the USB-C port. The Steam Deck boasts exceptional input controls, and for a more immersive experience, consider the Steam Deck OLED version, which offers improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage.
Enhance your Steam Deck experience with the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks.
Lenovo Legion Go
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3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC
### Lenovo Legion Go
7The Lenovo Legion Go is a high-performance Steam Deck alternative with a large QHD display, running Windows 11. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeRAM16GB LPDDR5XGPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeSSD512GB SSDWeight1.41 lbDimensions1.6 x 11.76 x 5.16 inchesPROSExcellent performanceBest display in a handheld gaming PCCONSVery largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a balance between performance and premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart, resembling a Windows 11 tablet with attached controllers. Despite its size, the device is relatively light at 1.41 lbs. However, the high resolution may challenge some games to run smoothly at native settings, necessitating adjustments. For seasoned PC gamers, the Legion Go's flexibility and stunning visuals make it an ideal choice for high-performance handheld gaming.
Asus ROG Ally – Photos
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4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers robust performance on Windows 11, with a 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeRAM16GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeSSD512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMeWeight1.24 lbDimensions11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inchesPROSSeven inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateSpeedy performanceCONS Armoury Crate software is a bit clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme excels as a Windows-based handheld, effortlessly handling a wide range of PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, it delivers high performance at high settings, though at the cost of battery life. The device features a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While the Armoury Crate software may be clunky, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme remains a powerful mini Windows PC in a gaming handheld form.
GPD Win 4 – Photos
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5. GPD Win 4
The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard
### GPD Win 4
3The GPD Win 4 combines the convenience of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, featuring a built-in keyboard. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 7 CPURAM16GB / 32GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Radeon 780MSSD1TB / 2TBWeight1.32 lbDimensions8.66 x 3.62 x 1.1 inchesPROSHandy keyboard built-inCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4 resembles a mini laptop with its AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, complemented by a 6-inch 1080p screen. Its standout feature is the sliding Windows keyboard, enhancing desktop usability on the go. Available in three configurations, it ranges from 16GB RAM with 1TB SSD to a high-end model with 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD.
Ayaneo Air – Photos
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6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3The Ayaneo Air is the epitome of portability, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen with impressive performance. See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROSPowerful performanceStorage expansion via Micro SD slotCONSLower performance than other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air stands out as one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU. Despite its compact size and light weight of 0.87 lbs, it offers substantial performance and expandable storage via a Micro SD slot, making it an excellent choice for gamers prioritizing portability.
Asus ROG Ally Z1
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7. Asus ROG Ally Z1
The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games
### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is perfect for indie gaming, offering a budget-friendly option with solid performance. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1RAM16GB LPDDR5GPUAMD RDNA 3SSD512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMeWeight1.34 lbDimensions0.83 x 11 x 4.4 inchesPROSBudget-friendlyEasy-to-use interfaceCONSCan struggle with AAA games at 1080pFor gamers looking for a cost-effective handheld, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice. While it may struggle with AAA games at 1080p, its performance is well-suited for indie titles. Running Windows 11 and powered by a 30W AMD APU with Zen 4 and RDNA 3 graphics, it provides a smooth gaming experience on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
As we anticipate the next Steam Deck iteration, exciting new handhelds are on the horizon. The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching on February 14, will be the first third-party handheld to run on Steam OS, offering a compelling alternative. A Windows 11 version will also be available. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an impressive 11-inch screen. Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2, expected to be revealed in April, may introduce mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, enhancing its appeal to PC gamers.
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ
Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a best gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal efficiency, but are limited to specific game specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer superior performance with the latest hardware, though at the expense of battery life and increased cost. They also provide broader functionality for tasks like editing. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.
What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?
The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top pick among best Steam Deck alternative. It offers an intuitive interface, exceptional performance, and a sleek design, running Windows 11 to access your entire PC gaming library.
